Ethan Slater is forever supporting Ariana Grande despite the news of their breakup.
The actor liked the pop star’s Instagram post on Monday (per an eagle-eyed fan of
Grande’s post included a series of photos from her “Eternal Sunshine” tour stop at Oakland Arena in Oakland, California over the weekend.
“Oakland, First Night…♡ It feels like words are impossible to find right now,” the 32-year-old singer wrote, “So right now, I just want to say thank you. From the bottom of my heart. I love you all more than words can express.”
And I missed you. thank you. “
The photos in the carousel included both black and white and color photos of Grande performing on stage.
On opening night, the “Wicked” star fought back tears as he thanked fans for being there for his return to tour after seven years.
“I missed you. I’m glad to see you,” exclaimed Grande. “This is so hard, so we really appreciate everyone’s love.”
The singer also cheekily nodded about her divorce from ex-husband Dalton Gomez while singing her 2019 song “Thank U, Next.”
The catchy track also references Grande’s ex-boyfriends Big Sean, Pete Davidson and the late Mac Miller, and includes a line about marriage.
After belting out the lyrics, “I just want to do it once, so bad / Let’s make it the last,” Grande jokingly held up two fingers, apparently referring to the fact that she’ll have to tie the knot a second time.
Grande was married to a 30-year-old high-class real estate agent for three years, and their divorce was finalized in March 2024.
The actress, who was previously married to Gomez, met Slater, 34, on the set of Wicked in late 2022.
The “Generation V” actor was also married to his high school sweetheart Lily Jay at the time. The two have one child together, a 3-year-old son, Ezra.
In June 2023, Jay blasted Grande to Page Six, saying, “[Ariana’s]story is real. Not a girl’s girl.”
She added at the time: “My family is just collateral damage.”
At the time, a source claimed to Page Six that Slater and Jay had been living apart for two months before his romance with Grande began.
“While[Jay]is understandably upset about the breakup of his marriage, Ariana and Ethan have done nothing wrong,” the source said.
On Monday, news broke that Grande and Slater had claimed their retirement.
“Ariana and Ethan broke up a few months ago but have remained friends ever since and have nothing but respect and admiration for each other,” a source told Page Six on Monday.
“This was not a decision they made lightly, but they realized they were better off as friends than in a committed relationship. Ariana is truly happy and focused on the next chapter with the Eternal Sunshine tour and the upcoming release of her album Petal.”
TMZ, which first reported the news, added that Grande’s next album (scheduled for release in July) will not be inspired by her era or her breakup with Slater.
